https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgwWltl6-wg

Usually, video game soundtrack “spinoffs” get some of their tracks played on the piano, semi-orchestrated (you can tell that no real instruments are used) or fully orchestrated. Final Fantasy IV Celtic Moon is unique in that regard since, as its name imply, it is inspired from Celtic culture, i.e. with lots of fiddle and even some harp and flute. I am not sure whether the arrangements are “real”, but one thing is for sure: the overall result is a mixed bag. Some are out of this world, while others are out of touch with the original track or prolong the loop in a strange manner. See why…

1- The Prelude

No Final Fantasy album would be complete without the classical intro theme. Like the classical theme, it starts with a harp. However I thought it played much too quickly to be enjoyable; plus the crescendo / decrescendo is interrupted by strange new note. Fortunately, the flute for the core of the theme saves the track from being a total mess. It is played at a “reasonable” volume, making it all the more better. There is also violin in the background that help create the proper sentimental feeling evoked by the Prelude. Towards the end of the track, the loop is prolonged by a flute solo where the instrument gets into higher pitches, but still remains enjoyable

2- Prologue...

After an “uneasy” intro – I guess fiddles have never been used to fully replace trumpets before – the Final Fantasy Theme is played with rather sad violins. It is good as such, but this theme is supposed to be epic, not for a funeral. The guitar in the background is a nice addition, though. The prolonged loop keeps the sad tone but is, at least, incorporated well into the track.

3- Chocobo-Chocobo

Finally an excellent rendition of a FF IV track! After a nice, light-hearted intro of fiddle (and a few guitar notes, the theme is very nicely played with joyful fiddles and, er, African xylophone in the background. The prolongation is a variation of the theme; it is slowly introduced after the 2 regular loops. It is highly upbeat and joyful with guitar in the background. An excellent track overall.

4- Into the Darkness

An excellent dark rendition of the theme. After a slow introductory fiddle intro (with a few harp notes), the mysterious fiddles start again by playing the theme. The background beat includes harp, drums to add drama and a voice-like sound that adds to the mystery of the track and voice sampling too. Finally there is a hitting sound that is perfect for a place full of rocks. Unlike most other tracks, this one just plays the regular loop with only slight differences between each other. It was incorporated very well overall.

5- Main Theme of Final Fantasy IV

The introduction to the theme is strangely played by a xylophone. However the core of the theme is very nicely played by fiddles, which make the theme sound ever sweeter and sentimental, like a romantic theme. After the first loop, the theme becomes more “Celtic” by being played by a flute with joyful fiddle in the background. You would also swear you hear tap dancing in the background. All of which is integrated very well to the track. However I thought the ending could have been done better; it sounds as if the fiddler were tired of playing so quickly for so long.

6- Welcome to Our Town

This is not the best track of the album. After a strange introduction, there is constant noise (I do not want to call it music) in the background that just annoys me. Also the fiddles just do not carry the feeling of welcomeness from the original theme. Fortunately, that all changes during the prolonged loop. The violin suddenly becomes much more joyful, as if people were dancing in a square dance; you can even hear upbeat spoons in the background.

7- Theme of Love

The fiddle arrangements make the theme so much more romantic. Even in the intro we know this is going to be quite a serenade. The core of the theme is played very slowly and romantically, while the “voices” in the background add a mystical touch to it. Of course, the harp in the background is perfect to add some romance. In the extended loop, the violin gets to higher notes, adding to the romance of the theme.

8- Melody of Lute

Instead of a lute, the theme is played by, er, a Celtic guitar? It is played slower than the original version, making it better to translated Edward’s fragile nature. Unfortunately, starting at the second loop too many instruments kick in to make the theme sound “too” Celtic. The flute and fiddle are especially annoying. Just skip it.

9- Porom and Palom

New arrangements make the theme even more light-hearted than the original version. The fiddle intro sets the tone right, while the core of the loop is as lively and joyful. You can hear spoons and even clapping in the background to add to the joy and xylophone to remain faithful to the original theme. The extended loop, while a little out of place with the core, is interesting nonetheless. It sounds “very” Celtic with the flutes and fiddles; the guitar in the background adds to the happiness of the theme.

10- Giotto, the Great King

The core of the theme is actually very interesting. The use of fiddles makes for a great rendition of the theme while the background instrument (which I can not really identify) helps keeping the theme in line with the original. Sadly the extended loop is once again out of place. The Celtic feel to it is good, do not get me wrong. It is just that it sounds out of place with the rest of the theme.

11- Dancing Calcobrena

This is the second best track of the album, and the best two-track sequence of the whole album. The fiddle sounds as dark as it should for these evil dolls, while the background drum adds the drama the organ created in the original track. The extension of the loop is incorporated very well, like a variation of the main theme. It contains a little guitar (and drums) beat I just love.

12- Mystic Mysidia

If you listen to this one right after Dancing Calcobrena, your ears will thank you. Anyway this is by far the best track of the album. After a staccato introduction, the main fiddle kicks in and to the perfect rendition of the original theme, making it sound much more joyful and upbeat. The xylophone in the background is the perfect beat for the track, while the cymbals at the end of the regular loop are good too. The extension of the loop is perfectly integrated to the track, simply adding more irresistible fiddle arrangements. I can not stop whistling it!

13- Illusory World

The track was off to a good start. The choir/ synth use made for the perfect ambiance for this mysterious track, and the intro fiddle was perfect for that too. The core of the loop had the fiddle played the original beat perfectly, while the harp and guitar in the background. Unfortunately, it falls apart at the extension. Not only is it introduced abruptly (compare to Mystic Mysidia) but it is much too joyful for that theme. We get it; it is CELTIC moon. No need to always have dancing music.

14- Rydia

Ugh. If you want a better version of Rydia’s theme, choose the piano one. This one really sounds horrible. The main flute plays the theme well enough and the guitar / harp combination is good, but the voices in the background completely spoil it. As if the creators wanted to recreate Enya’s Watermark; they failed miserably. Just skip it.

15- Troian Beauty

This track sounds like it was made to be played by fiddles. It is simply wonderful; so much that it is better than the original. The fiddle plays the theme perfectly while the harp in the background adds the “beauty” to Troian Beauty. As the loops go by, a new instrument kicks in, be it a flute or more fiddles; there is no extension of the loop as such. However, the music does stop for a second or two after a couple of loops, and then start anew with a few more before the conclusion.

Final diagnosis: I would not give this album more than a 6 out of 10, mainly because not enough tracks are faithful enough to the original to the original ones. Plus, most of the extended loops do not flow well with the rest of the track (like Illusory World). But if you like music from the likes of Enya, you will certainly enjoy it.